Special Units

Drug Crew Used Police-Equipped Crown Vic to Rob Rivals

December 13, 2010

The Pinal County (Ariz.) Sheriff's Office has discovered a Ford Crown Victoria sedan outfitted as a law enforcement vehicle that investigators believe was used by drug smugglers to conduct traffic stops, according to the agency.

"Drug and human trafficking is a crime my deputies deal with on a daily basis," according to Sheriff Paul Babeu. "This case shows how those responsible for drug and human trafficking are attempting to conduct their business under the guise of law enforcement."

A patrol deputy discovered the vehicle shortly after 10 p.m. on Dec. 11 along Interstate 8 in Vekol Valley. The deputy discovered a white Ford Crown Vic stuck in loose dirt with a partially open trunk and lowered rear passenger windows.

A tan Ford Taurus was also found about 20 feet in front of the Ford that apparently had crashed into barbed wire fencing. Both vehicles contained packaged bales of marijuana and occupants had fled the scene, according to Tim Gaffney, the Pinal County Sheriff's spokesman.

The Crown Victoria had been outfitted to represent a law enforcement vehicle. The vehicle had red and blue strobe lights, orange and white strobe lights, a siren, spotlight and front push bar.

Deputies also found a black ski mask and black hoodie sweater next to the driver's seat that leads agency investigators to believe this was an attempted theft of the marijuana in the Ford Taurus by a "rip crew."

According to a release, it appears the Crown Victoria had attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the Taurus, which veered off the road and hit the fence. The occupants apparently then fled. Some of the marijuana had already been loaded from the Taurus into the Crown Victoria.

The engines for both vehicles were still running when deputies discovered the vehicles. Fourteen bales of marijuana were recovered, which weighed a total of 319 pounds. The seized marijuana carries a street value of $159,500.

Special Units

The K-9 with the DeKalb County (GA) Police Department shot during a gunfight at a traffic stop was released from a veterinary hospital on Saturday. Indi lost an eye during the confrontation, but is expected to otherwise recover.

The shooting prompted a five-hour-long standoff with Trevino, who was barricaded inside the home. The standoff ended at 6:15 p.m. when police found Trevino dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the house.

Officers learned that the shooting suspect, a 56-year-old woman, inside the home and refused to surrender to police custody. After several hours of negotiating, police sent in K-9 Gabo. The woman reportedly opened fire on the dog and hit him.

Authorities reported Friday that the Ventura County Sheriff’s sergeant killed during the mass shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill in October was struck by "friendly fire" during the firefight with the gunman.

The DEA confirms the task force officer was reported missing some time after the completion of an overnight law enforcement operation. Following a search, the officer was located and transported to a nearby hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.